Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Format of Original
8 p.
Publication Date
6-2009
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Source Publication
European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
Source ISSN
1474-5151
Original Item ID
doi: 10.1016/j.ejcnurse.2008.07.004
Abstract
Supportive relationships are known to improve outcomes for persons with heart failure (HF). Supporters may do so by improving self-care, but little is known about the influence of supportive relationships on HF self-care.
The purpose of this study was to explore background characteristics associated with supportive relationships, and the contribution of supportive relationships to HF self-care. The construct of shared care was used to operationalize supportive relationships. Shared care refers to a system of interpersonal processes (communication, decision making, and reciprocity) used in close relationships to exchange support. A cross sectional design was employed recruiting 75 HF dyads.
Older patients who perceived their health as better reported better shared care communication. Spouse dyads perceived more reciprocity in their relationship than non-spouse dyads. The process of patient shared care decision making was related to HF self-care maintenance (r = 0.65) and self-care confidence (r = 0.52). Patient communication (r = 0.24) and reciprocity (r = 0.41) were related to self-care confidence. Caregiver decision making (r = 0.29) contributed to self-care maintenance; and caregiver decision making (r = 0.37) and reciprocity (r = 0.35) contributed to self-care confidence.
These findings suggest that augmenting the processes of shared care may be a valuable focus for future intervention research.
Recommended Citation
Sebern, Margaret and Riegel, Barbara, "Contributions of Supportive Relationships to Heart Failure Self-Care" (2009). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 55.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/55
Comments
Accepted version. European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, Vol. 8, No. 2 (June 2009): 97-104. DOI. © 2009. SAGE Publications. Used with permission.
NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, VOL 8, ISSUE 2, (June 2009) DOI.